Police endorse Hasner over Frankel for Congress

The Police Benevolent Association, a nemesis of Lois Frankel during her second term as West Palm Beach mayor, endorsed Adam Hasner today and had some harsh words for Frankel.

“Lois Frankel has a 25-year record of more spending and rambling priorities, and her time as mayor was marked with arrogance, marble bathrooms in city hall, and a police helicopter being commandeered by Frankel to attend a party,” John Kazanjian, president of the PBA, said in a statement. “West Palm Beach couldn’t afford Lois Frankel then, and we certainly can’t afford to send Lois to Washington now.”

Frankel and the PBA publicly feuded in 2010 after West Palm Beach halted police step raises. The union accused the city of gross mismanagement, and refused to work SunFest. Union members protested for days outside SunFest and Frankel’s adult son was arrested after grabbing an anti-Frankel protest sign away from a protester. The charges were later dropped.

Frankel’s campaign declined comment.

In the release, Kazanjian said, “When it comes to having an open mind, listening to both sides, and taking a responsible, results-oriented approach to keeping our community safe, there is only one choice in the race for Congress in Florida’s 22nd district — Adam Hasner.”

“I appreciate that the PBA understands my proven record of standing up to gangs and my work to provide law enforcement with the tools needed to make our neighborhoods safer here in South Florida,” Hasner said in a statement.

Hasner has also been endorsed by the Nonpartisan Voter’s Coalition, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business and Associated Builders and Contractors.

Frankel has been endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, Service Employees International Union and Florida Alliance of Retired Americans.